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Month: July 2017

Choosing a home inspector can be a nervous undertaking especially if you have no one to ask so as to get a referral to one. When choosing a home inspector try to find a home inspector that has system to what he or she does.

Most people have heard the horror stories of home inspectors that arrive late, are dressed like they just woke up or recently crawled out from underneath a car, and spend only 45 minutes or so at a house and claim that they are done. Often these inspectors use a sloppy hand written report and still leaves questions. I have read home inspection reports that provide little useful information.

When Habitation Investigation arrives for a home inspection, they arrive a few minutes early and wearing a pair of clean khaki pants, and a clean blue shirt. A tool pouch and computer are carried in to the home and set up in the kitchen where the notes on the home inspection will be entered into the computer and the reporting software. The home is then inspected in a sequence that aids in locating issues such as water leaks.

Habitation Investigation has a system and a sequence to the inspection process. The use of the computer and the report writing software allows for consistency and detail in the comments regarding the inspection findings. The report system also has the areas and systems of the house tabbed to ensure that each area is completed.

My typical home inspection takes 2.5 to 3 hours at the home to complete. After this time I will return to my office to place the digital images taken during the inspection in to the report. This makes the inspection report one of the most detailed around and the easiest to understand.

When searching for a home inspector be sure to select a person or company that has a system to help ensure consistent and high quality inspections. Finding a inspector that uses a computer and takes pictures as part of the inspection report also helps ensure that there is a system to the inspection process. There are several report writing programs available to home inspectors and are all decent. The biggest factor in if your home inspection experience will be positive or negative depends on the home inspector. It takes effort to do a thorough inspection, doing inspections is not a career for the lazy. Look for an inspector that has a good reputation, positive comments and a system to conduct the inspections.

It is important for a home inspector to continue their education so that they can become the best inspector possible. Below are five ways home inspectors can continue their education to improve themselves and their companies.

Attend Conferences and Seminars

Attending conferences and seminars is a great way for a home inspector to increase their knowledge about the home inspection industry. Speakers will cover a variety of topics that allow the home inspector to learn the latest news and techniques in home inspection. This will allow them to stay ahead of the curve and be prepared for anything they may see on an inspection. Conferences also give inspectors the opportunity to visit with different product vendors related to home inspections. Here, they can learn about the latest technology, advancements in home inspection software, and what’s new in the industry.

Connect/Network with other Home Inspectors

A great way to connect and network with industry contacts is to join an association. There are many benefits to joining an association, including educational resources, monthly news, online forums, discounts, and much more. Online forums allow home inspectors to bounce ideas and questions off of each other, making it a great place to learn. Inspectors can also connect and network at conferences, seminars, and association meetings.

Attend Classes/Training Related to Home Inspections

To continue their education, a home inspector should consider attending additional classes and training. There are several training courses available for new and veteran inspectors. These continuing education courses include marketing and business courses, such as online advertising, selling, and client relationship building. Learning these aspects of the business is critical for making their company a success. Technical classes are also offered, such as what to look for when inspecting roofs, electrical components, and plumbing. These types of classes help an inspector avoid potential issues and cover themselves from liability. For an inspector who is looking to diversify themselves, there are also specialty courses available. Some of these courses include mold, radon, and termite testing, among others. Attending continuing education classes is a great way to stay educated, as well as, give the inspector the ability to offer additional services to their client.

Take Additional Courses, Not Necessarily Related to Home Inspections

Classes that do not directly relate to home inspections are often overlooked by inspectors. Some of these courses include report writing, communication skills, business practices, and legal issues. Inspectors who decide to continue their education with classes like these can really separate themselves from other inspectors who lack this kind of training and knowledge. Even though these types of classes aren’t directly related to home inspections, they can help a home inspector improve the quality of their service.

Job Shadowing

New and veteran inspectors can both benefit from shadowing another professional while on a job. New inspectors can gain a great deal of knowledge and useful information by shadowing veteran inspectors. If they can find someone who is willing to show them the ropes, this is a great first step for inspectors looking to break into the industry. Veteran inspectors can benefit from shadowing professional contractors on repair or maintenance jobs. Gaining additional knowledge that can be used on the job will help them become a better inspector.

Continuously trying to learn and improve yourself is a must in any business. In order to run a successful home inspection business, the inspector needs to be the best inspector possible. Continuing to learn will not only benefit them and their business, it will also benefit their client.

As you prepare for a new future in home inspection, you may wonder what type of learning method provides the most advantages for you. If you haven’t considered learning online, you should take note of the many benefits of enrolling in an online home inspector training program. You’re a busy adult and need an education that is tailored to your life. From a flexible schedule to a self-paced course, you’ll be able to build a solid foundation of home inspection knowledge with these benefits:

Learn Anytime, Anywhere – One of the biggest advantages of choosing online training is that you can log onto your online course day or night. Because the course materials are accessible on your computer, you can literally determine your study schedule. If you work during the day, complete your assignments, quizzes and tests during your lunch break or at night after dinner. Additionally, if you have a laptop computer, you can learn on the go – take your computer with you and study whenever you have free time.

Create a Steady Pace – If you want learn the concepts faster, you can move at an accelerated rate. If you need to slow down to concentrate harder on the terminology and procedures, you can do that too. The best news is that you’re in charge! You never have to feel that you’re behind; you set the pace, which means that you call the shots in your education. You’ll know the material because you are learning it your way.

Receive High-Quality Materials – If you do your research and enroll in an accredited school, you’ll have the same high-quality materials that you’d find at a traditional brick-and-mortar school. From in-depth textbooks with full color illustrations to comprehensive DVDs that clearly depict home inspection concepts, you’ll gain the knowledge you need to succeed on the job. Additionally, some schools provide case studies and mentor ride-alongs so you can gain the hands-on experience you need to transfer into your career.

Keep Your Current Job – There’s no need to quit your job or take time off to prepare for your home inspection career. With online home inspector training, you can maintain your same schedule, with no disruptions. There’s also no additional time away from home. If you have a family, your study time doesn’t interfere with dinner, sports or after-school pickups. It’s the easiest way to keep things the same while you study for an exciting future.

Save Money, Time and Your Sanity – You can say goodbye to the negative aspects of traveling to a live school. There are no gas costs or parking fees. You don’t have to endure long commutes or time away from home. The distance between you and your training will be a short walk to your computer. You’ll sit down to study and be relaxed, calm and ready to focus on your studies.

Get Personal Assistance – Learning online doesn’t mean that you learn alone. In fact, most online schools provide one-on-one assistance with their online education. If you have a question, you can call during regular business hours and talk to someone. Course questions, technician issues or encouragement – you’ll find it all at an online school.

You have many choices when it comes to your education. You have to determine if the benefits of enrolling in an online home inspector training program are what you need with your career training. It’s an ideal way to prepare for your new future your way. If you like the idea of creating a custom education that works for you, then online learning should be your first choice. Online education can provide the flexibility, convenience and opportunity you’re looking for.